Historic building in Cushing to be demolished after quake

CUSHING, Okla. (AP) - A nearly century-old building in Cushing will be demolished because its front facade has collapsed after it was damaged during an earthquake last year.

The Stillwater News Press reports the 1920s Cushing Lion's Den was damaged but remained standing after the 5.0 earthquake hit a few miles outside Cushing and damaged some of the city's downtown area in November.

The building's side brick veneer began to bulge and peel away shortly after the quake, and most of it was later removed. Lions Club president Lou Griffin says the club hasn't occupied the building since November after a structural engineer warned it wasn't safe.

But the building's front facade collapsed Tuesday, sealing its fate.

Griffin says she believes the earthquake, a series of smaller quakes and recent strong winds played a role in the collapse.